Prime Minister Mark Carney announced his first nomination to the Supreme Court of Canada on Monday, selecting Manitoba Court of King's Bench Chief Justice Glenn Joyal to fill the vacancy left by Justice Sheilah Martin's retirement.
Nomination announcement
“Throughout his career, Chief Justice Joyal has demonstrated the integrity, experience, and sound judgment that service on our highest court demands. I am confident that he will serve Canadians with distinction,” Carney said in a statement.
As part of the nomination process, Joyal will participate in a question-and-answer session with members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights and the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, according to the federal government.
Joyal's judicial career
Joyal has served as chief justice of the Court of King's Bench of Manitoba since 2011. Before that, he sat on the Manitoba Court of Appeal. Prior to becoming a judge, Joyal practiced criminal and constitutional law, as well as civil litigation, in Manitoba. He was called to the bar in 1987.
“Chief Justice Joyal has spent more than a decade leading the Court of King's Bench of Manitoba, where he has shown the experience, integrity, and sound judgment this role demands,” Justice Minister Sean Fraser said in a statement. “His work to improve access to justice, modernize court operations, and advance reconciliation reflects a deep commitment to the fair administration of justice.”
Background and honours
Joyal pursued undergraduate and graduate studies at Simon Fraser University, McGill University, Paris-Sorbonne University, the University of Manitoba, and Oxford University. He is fluent in English, French, and Italian. Joyal is a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal and the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, both awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their communities, public life, or Canada as a whole.
Vacancy and process
Justice Sheilah L. Martin announced her retirement in January, effective May 30. Martin, 70, was nominated to the court by former prime minister Justin Trudeau on Nov. 29, 2017. The prime minister’s statement did not clarify when Joyal would begin the role once his appointment is finalized.
The Supreme Court of Canada consists of nine judges, including a chief justice. All are appointed by the Governor in Council and must have served either as a judge of a superior court or as a member of a provincial or territorial bar for at least 10 years.
